A Shock I was not expecting..with an happy ending

 

For the last 11 days my study abroad group have been traveling the historical cities of Spain. We have felt like nomads traveling from home to home. But now we have finally made it to where we will be living or the next 3 and a half months. Madrid. It is a beautiful city with much to do, but it was not until now that I would feel homesick for a few. I though that being from New York City I was invincible concrete jungle right? I grew up with so much diversity that I didn't think I knew what a cultural shock actually means. As soon as I stepped foot into my host moms apartment my heart sank. I finally realized that I wouldn't be visiting my mom, family, friends, and my loved one. I had certain house rules to follow. Electricity is scarce here in Spain. I was too scared to leave the lights on or even plug my charger without the lights going out. The food is not what you are used to. Everywhere you go someone tells you to be careful with pick pocketing, and I am like doesn't think happen in NYC all the time?! It took a series of laughter with friends that turned into tears, and later a talk with my mommy back home to make me feel relieved. I am a big preacher on how if people were more humble this world would be a better place. I thought about all the fun I've been having, all the new friends I have made ( we call ourselves la familia). None of us had phones connected yet so this forced us to look at each other and learn things that we would never expect to learn about each other. We went from just a shy wave to each other to hugging and laughing hysterically till 5 in the morning. On top of being grateful for these people I am grateful to have a home, education, ability to work hard and get here. Here we are complaining that we don't have wifi sometimes, having to take a 10 minute shower rather than 1 hour, leaving all electronics on at the same time. While people here are losing jobs and have little to nothing to eat. After recognizing and appreciating everything I have I am having the time of my life in Spain. I am ready to travel and conquer the world (figuratively speaking)! I want to encourage all future study abroad travelers that it will be hard at first for some and easy at first for others but no matter what you will get use to it and you will love it!!! Be young, learn to try new things and above all be safe and adventurous! Viva Madrid!! 

Live. Laugh. Love always! 

A Medieval Adventure.

Almodovar's Castle 

What a journey under the hot sun! But it was definitely worth it. Today we travelled to "Almodovar's Castle". With the bus leaving us at the bottom of the steep mountain we all had to hike our way to the top. Let's be happy we weren't in the XIV century carrying armor or heavy materials because that would not have been fun. When we reached the top we saw a magnificent view of the surrounding communities. It reminded me of pictures I've seen in Greece. There were colorful homes all around the bottom of the mountain. The castle had many rooms that all served a purpose back in the day. Our favorite room was "The Dungeon" We had fun pretending to be prisoners even though it did not look so pleasant. It was nice hearing about how some of my friends always wanted to be a Princess in live in a tower, but after experiencing the hike up there, the blaing sun, and shooing away mosquitoes they changed their minds. 

Amazing view and journey to get up there! 

Overall it was a nice experience, and if ever in Spain it was nice to experience something new that's old. The castle was about 30 minutes from Cordoba. 

So far my group has been to Toledo, Cordoba, and now Sevilla. I love seeing how preserved all of the historic relics are here in Spain. I have visited places I would have never thought to visit if I were not to be in this program. I am super grateful, thankful, and more knowledgeable about a country I knew little about! 

Live. Love. Laugh Always

Cathedral of Toledo..

     

While my fellow New Yorkers were asleep my study abroad group took a nice trip to the Cathedral of Toldeo. What a beautiful scene is the first thing I can say. You do not have to be a religious person to engage in such detailed art. The group was able to sit in a private area where only the Bishops and priests are allowed into. As you can see in the picture above there is so much vibrant colors and details in the wall. I am not an art major so I am trying really hard to describe how beautiful the image was. Looking at how the wall depicted the stations of the cross really touched me. You can see how pale and blue Jesus Christ is to show his death. Everything in the cathedral was symbolic and protected.

My favorite painting in the Cathedral was the painting that depicted Hell, purgatory, and Heaven. I fell in love with the mural. You can see above how the people in hell were examples of the 7 deadly sins. Above hell was the simplicity and sincerity of asking God to allow them to enter heaven. Lastly, Heaven showed pure happiness without luxuries or materials.

Temporary goodbye...

Today I embarked on what will become an unforgettable journey! Mom, Dad, Jennifer, Kirsy, Miguel and my Precious nephew JJ all walked me into the airport to watch me board on to Iberia Airlines as I study abroad until December in the beautiful country of Spain. It was so hard letting go of their warm hugs, but I couldn't have asked God for a more wonderful, crazy, dysfunctional, perfect family. They have only but encouraged me to try new things and push me to do better for myself. I want to dedicate this journey to them. I hope to learn as much as possible while being here to then share it with them in the future. Thank you for always being at my side! I can't wait to find out how this experience changes me. 

A Tribute to the Past..

SoHo Living..

I am proud to say that I was born, raised, and continue living in the Bronx, but I also have to talk about my second home; the place you know as SoHo, NY. When my mom first arrived here from the Dominican Republic the picture you see above was her home. Downtown was what she was exposed to. She went from babysitting her sister's children at 15 years old working in factories. When my sisters were born my mom knew she needed more space. Every apartment in Soho is the size of my kitchen (Literally). My grandparents ( may they rest in peace) continued to live in Soho as well as other family members. Every weekend I spent it in the cramped up kitchen size apartment watching soap operas and playing with the other kids in the neighborhood. Soho is as much a part of me as the Bronx is. Everything in SoHo has changed except the playground you see on the top left. I love that I can take my little cousins and nephew to the same playground I grew up with. A place when there is just sweet memory, and no worries. Soho has always had its own style and fashion that is another thing that has not changed. It is another place in NYC where you can be unique and not be scared to stand out.
Let me know if you have family in the SoHo area or even LES. Talk about what has changed and if you still consider that place a home.

“If you're reading this...
Congratulations, you're alive.
If that's not something to smile about,
then I don't know what is.” 

This summer I learned how to
Live for Myself, and for the Present!

You should try it it's great.